Fatal beating suspects face judge
By: Meghan Backus
Updated: November 21, 2007
As Hector Merced's alleged killers faced a judge Tuesday morning, family members of the 48-year-old victim sat by and watched. Outside the court, family members yelled at a woman who had gone to the arraignment. Others stood by crying.
"Beating him to death for no reason! They could have helped him, somebody could have helped him," said Nina Martinez, Merced's cousin. "They did not have to let him die."
"Justice was served," said Nancy Martinez, the victim's sister. "Both parties were caught, yes they were and they will be served!"
Merlin Sage, 27, and Damion Clarke, 29, were arrested Monday night. Police say the two beat Merced to death following an argument early Saturday morning. They say the three men knew each other and were out together the night before Merced's body was found on Flower City Park. After a 72-hour investigation, police say physical evidence and witness interviews pointe them to Sage and Clarke.
"We feel very strongly that the two involved are responsible for the victim's death," said Rochester Police Chief David Moore.
But some of Merced's family say more people need to be investigated.
"There's other parties who still know what happened and has plenty to do with my brother's death and has not been charged," said Nancy Martinez.
And there's other family members who think more arrests still won't pay for such a brutal murder.
"We've seen the pictures," said Robin Carrasquillo, a cousin. "They made me sick. There will never be enough justice for this."
